Pender Island, a place of great beauty in BC’s Gulf Islands, is home to a friendly and welcoming population. To revel in this special place, celebrate our wonderful friends and neighbours, and draw together our diverse LGBTQ+ residents and visitors, we are excited to announce that the inaugural Pender Island Pride Festival will take place August 15 – 17, 2019.
Everyone is welcome at Pender Island Pride, with a special focus on supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Our mission is to promote knowledge, inclusivity, acceptance, respect, and love, all while having fun! The festival features a variety of events including:
• Prepping for Pride, fun sign-making party. Everyone is welcome to come and get creative! We provide supplies (feel free to bring your own as well) to make signs, etc. for the Pride Parade. Wednesday, August 14th, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Peter’s Church Hall, 4703 Canal Rd.
• LGBTQ+ Movie Night screening The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert This fun, yet thought-provoking romp across the Australian Outback is a classic flick with great music, beautiful scenery, and complex characters. There may even be dancing in the aisles! Thursday, August 15th at 7:30 pm, $5 admission. Hosted by the Kraken Theatre @ Port Browning
• Friday Night Pride A Social Mixer for the LGBTQ+ Community and their Allies featuring live music, canapés, and a cash bar. Friday, August 16, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm @ 6621 Harbour Hill Drive Hosted by Sea Star Estates Farm & Vineyards and the Pender Pride Committee
• Pride Parade A festive opportunity for LGBTQ+ folk and our many Allies to be visible and show support for the diversity of people who make up this great community, and to demonstrate a commitment to supporting others around the world who still do not enjoy equality and safety because of who they are and who they love. All supportive individuals or groups are welcome to join the parade. Noon Saturday, August 17 at the Driftwood Centre (participants will gather in the marshalling area starting at 11:30 am)
• Pride Celebration In the Driftwood Centre plaza, immediately following the parade there will be unique performances, a multitude of musicians, prominent speakers, and informative professionals, all coming together for a family friendly event to celebrate with our LGBTQ+ friends and Allies. There will also be informative displays, presentation tables, and friendly faces ready to answer peoples’ questions, make new friends, and build connections with anyone who feels so-inspired. The fun and camaraderie will run until about 3 pm.
